From a Cordial Handshake to Personal Attacks: An Analysis of the Trump vs. Harris Debate
Before the much-anticipated debate kicked off, Vice President Kamala Harris walked over to Donald Trump’s side of the podium and offered a handshake.
Although former President Trump firmly shook the VP’s hand and both exchanged greetings, the rest of the 90-minute debate was far less friendly.
The debate, held in Philadelphia by ABC News, was Trump’s seventh presidential debate but Harris’ first as a presidential candidate.
However, unlike the first debate which culminated in President Joe Biden exiting the race, Harris appeared unfazed as she faced Trump, who has had experience debating political opponents from Hillary Clinton in 2016 to Biden in 2020 and 2024.
Also Read: How Trump and Biden Showed Their Worst Sides In A Disappointing Presidential Debate
Key Personal Attack Moments from the Debate
The debate was, as expected, filled with personal attacks, interruptions, and arguments that were sometimes removed from real issues like inflation, which affects the American people.
“I’m Talking, if You Don’t Mind” – Trump
After defending her statement that her “values have not changed” when asked how she shifted from wanting to ban fracking in 2020 to supporting it, the Vice President took jabs at Trump by talking about her upbringing and being raised by a single mother, who often faced discrimination.
“The true measure of a leader is a leader who actually understands that strength is not in beating people down, it’s in lifting people up,” Harris said.
Trump’s response prompted Harris to accuse the former president of lying.
“Wait a minute. I’m talking now, if you don’t mind, please,” Trump said. “Does that sound familiar?”
“You Are a Disgrace” – Harris
Staying on issues that mattered appeared to be difficult for both candidates as the debate progressed.
Speaking about how world leaders perceived America during Trump’s presidency, Harris claimed they were laughing at Trump.
“I have traveled the world as Vice President of the United States, and world leaders were laughing at Donald Trump.
“I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say you’re a disgrace,” Harris said, turning to look at Trump at the other podium.
“You Are Running Against Me, Not Biden” – Harris Reminds Trump
After Trump criticized how the Biden administration has handled the Russia-Ukraine war and boasted about how he would end the conflict, Kamala Harris reminded the former President that the election was between her and him, not Joe Biden.
“You’re not running against Joe Biden, you’re running against me,” she told Trump.
The VP also alleged that contrary to Trump’s claims of having a plan to end the conflict, he would surrender the war and allow Vladimir Putin to capture Ukraine.
“Why don’t you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favor, and what you think is a friendship with a dictator who would eat you for lunch?” she asked.
“I Don’t Care ‘What’ Race She Is” – Trump
In July, Donald Trump alleged that Harris suddenly claimed to be Black.
“Harris was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden, she made a turn,” Trump said during a forum with the National Association of Black Journalists.
However, the former president downplayed these remarks when asked what race he thinks Harris is.
“I don’t care what she is. You make a big deal out of something, I couldn’t care less. Whatever she wants to be is OK with me,” Trump said. “I read where she was not Black, that she put out, and I’ll say that. And then I read that she was Black—either one was OK with me.”
In her response, Harris claimed that Trump has long sought to use race to divide America.
“Honestly, I think it’s a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people,” she said.
“She’s Biden” – Trump
“Remember this: she is Biden. You know, she’s trying to get away from Biden. ‘I don’t know the gentleman,’ she says. She is Biden,” Trump said, implying that Harris will support and implement some of Biden’s policies.
Laughing, Harris said she is not.
“Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, and I am certainly not Donald Trump. And what I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country.”
Although the two candidates discussed their plans on real issues, from immigration and climate change to the economy and abortion, most of Donald Trump’s 43 minutes were spent pointing out what was wrong with the Biden administration and airing grievances about Harris’s personality.
Similarly, while Harris was composed and communicated clearly, many might wonder if her 37 minutes and 36 seconds could have been better used to outline specific action plans that would convince the American people to vote for her.
